The ANC’s Friday conference programme went out the window as endless delays and unruly delegates ruled the day.
Crucial documents such as the organisational report, the adoption of credentials, financial and intergrity commission’s reports didn’t make it to the day’s proceedings.
When President Cyril Ramaphosa finally got to get onto the podium, he delivered a report that largely sang praise for government work. What was supposed to be a conscience political report left much to be desired.
The lukewarm speech focused on Eskom power cuts, the economy, unemployment, poor governance, state capture and anti-corruption efforts.
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Ramaphosa failed to directly deal with his detractors in the room, who mostly hailed from KwaZulu-Natal.
However, the delayed registrations and accreditation for delegates had already sent tensions through the roof.
At the very late start of the sitting, current ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe couldn’t control the pro-Zuma group, who are also supporters of the RET faction.
Mantashe even called KwaZulu-Natal provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma to the stage, urging him to calm his delegation down so the conference can continue.
Speaking off the cuff as he concluded his speech, Ramaphosa later attempted to tackle the bull by the horns when he told delegates to “stop the heckling and shouting.”
“At this 55th conference, let us exercise discipline, let us demonstrate that we are worthy delegates for our people by sitting here and debating issues,
”Instead of shouting and heckling at each other, let’s be the disciplined members of the ANC,” he said to loud cheers from supporters.
Waving two fingers signalling a second term for the incumbent president, they took to the front singing his praises after concluding his address. The pro-RET delegates were never to be outdone and broke into song too.
Conference was closed for the day after Ramaphosa’s speech.
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